Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated — a research and marketing company representing upland cotton
— and DuPont Industrial Biosciences — a business unit of Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont —
recently reported the results of a joint trial in which they evaluated the effectiveness of
biobased enzymes in preparing cotton knit textiles, compared to that of traditional processing
chemicals. The trials showed that a combination of biobased enzymes can replace caustic chemicals
in cotton textile processing, while at the same time reducing water and energy consumption and
processing time.

“Bio-enzymes, such as our PrimaGreen® products, have for some time offered a sustainable
alternative to chemicals typically used in textile preparation,” said Nico van Schoot, marketing
manager, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “As these trial results illustrate, bio-enzymes also can
provide practical business advantages in terms of processing time and associated costs.”

On average, reductions included 70 percent of water, 33 percent of steam, and 27 percent of
energy across all shade ranges. Cost reductions using the bio-optimized process averaged 66
percent. Time savings included 23 percent for dark shades, 27 percent for medium shades and 30
percent for light shades.

Used in combination, bio-enzymes for scouring, bleaching and dyeing reduce water usage
because the same water bath can be used for more than one process, noted trial supervisor Mary
Ankeny, director of dyeing research, Cotton Incorporated. Energy reductions stem from the fact that
textiles can be prepared at significantly reduced temperatures when bio-enzymes are used in an
optimized process compared to using traditional chemicals in traditional processes.

June 5, 2012

After posting the thoughts of Heinrich Trützschler, managing partner of Germany-based Trützschler
GmbH & Co. KG
(see ”
The
Rupp Report: Executive Interview: Heinrich Trützschler, Managing Partner, Trützschler GmbH &
Co. KG,”
TextileWorld.com, May 29, 2012), the Rupp Report talked to Carlo Rogora, CEO
of Itema (Switzerland) Ltd., one of the leading weaving machinery manufacturers. Rogora answered
the same questions asked previously.

Expectations


Rupp Report
: What do you expect from 2012 in general?




Carlo Rogora
: In general, we expect to be in a somewhat better situation than in 2011. The second half of
2012 is still uncertain due to the tight policies of some countries, mainly in Asia. Several
projects are in the pipeline, but it seems that because of government policies and/or because of
the banks’ difficulties in lending money, these projects remain in the pipeline. However, we are
rather optimistic that this will change in the months to come.

RR
: What is the biggest change you see in the business this year for your products prior to
ITMA Asia + CITME 2012?

Rogora
: We see a number of changes, which are, however, different from one country to another.
In China, for instance, we see more investments for air-jet weaving, even for products and
applications for which this technology was not considered before. On the other hand, customers in
some countries are switching the weft insertion system from air-jet to rapier.

RR
: What conditions are you experiencing that are most influencing your business?

Rogora
: As I mentioned before, the main problem remains the difficulties with the banks. If
they lend money, the interest rates are very high. Furthermore, the economy is still uncertain in
Europe and the USA. Therefore, the main market for fabrics is still not enjoying a satisfactory
level. Although it has improved, it surely is not at the levels of some years ago. I must say, we
doubt that level will ever come back.

Market Situation


RR
: How do you see the current market situation in Asia and China?

Rogora
: In some countries, like China, the cost of labor has increased and customers are either
putting investments on hold or even thinking of moving plants elsewhere. The higher costs of cotton
in China also have had an impact on slowing down investments.

RR
: So, do you face any problems in China?

Rogora
: Not really. Some areas of the business are very slow, some investments are completely on
hold, but some other new areas are shifting toward new investments thanks to a higher availability
of workforce.

RR
: Are the mills receptive to new technology, or are they on the sidelines?

Rogora
: You see, technology is always well-received wherever it gives more efficiency, lower cost
of maintenance and an improved user-friendliness. The strategy we adopted to invest in new, more
reliable, more efficient — in general, more “technological” — machines is still confirmed, and we
will carry on this way.

However, the pressure on the Asian mills’ production is still more oriented toward the final
retail prices than on the quality. Of course, it is more than obvious that our customers are
strongly focused on the price we offer. We offer our customers new technology and ideas to weave
different styles and to improve machine efficiency combined with cost competitiveness. We do
believe that this will favor industry growth in the near future, with the possibility also to offer
high-quality fabrics worldwide.

Different Customer Requirements


RR
: Is this different in the regions of the world?

Rogora
: Well, in Europe and the Americas, customers are more interested in new solutions and new
technologies; they are — and have to be — generally active in markets that require superior fabric
quality. This is their reason for being. It has to be said that also some countries in Asia such as
— of course — Japan, but also Taiwan and Korea, are doing the same. Some “advanced” customers in
China are switching to this requirement as well.

RR
: Is the green movement — sustainability — a reality for your customers?

Rogora
: Frankly speaking, we do not receive particular requests from our customers, especially
not from Asia. Nevertheless, Itema is very sensitive to eco-sustainability. We are actively
participating in the project promoted by ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery
Manufacturers), to be the “Supplier of Sustainable Technologies.” This is focused on the
improvement of an “intelligent” use of energy, chemicals and water; and the minimization of the
carbon footprint of the fabric production cycle. For this, Itema received the Green Label, which
attests to our efforts in this area.

RR
: How are you helping your customers to address that?

Rogora
: We always push on this argument, because we believe that the future of our planet is the
responsibility of each one of us. We do hope and believe that eco-sustainability will become more
and more a need and a request by our industry.

New Machinery On Display


RR
: Will you show any true novelty for the first time in Asia?

Rogora
: Yes, there will be several improvements and new developments on the machines, both
those manufactured in Europe and machines assembled in China. Some of them will be very important
for the customers for cost savings in maintenance, ease of operations and better fabric quality. We
will show the Silver 501 rapier machine and the new air-jet, both of which were exhibited at ITMA
Barcelona for the first time.

The highlight will be the direct drive motor applicable to the locally assembled R880 (rapier
machine). This will now complete the wide range of applications and high profile of technology
offered by the machines assembled in China.

For the first time, with the T880, we will have the locally assembled rapier weaving machine
for terry in the booth of local Jacquard machinery manufacturer Song & Song. All products
delivered by Itema China have a relevant percentage of parts that are imported from Europe to
assure quality and high performances of each machine we deliver.

Product
Piracy


RR
: Did you face any problems with product piracy at the last ITMA Asia + CITME?

Rogora
: The product piracy, especially on spare parts, and especially in Asia, is massive. As
mentioned above, our customers are under very high pressure to cut costs in order to compete in the
current marketplace. Over a period of time, this is reducing the performance, in both quality and
efficiency of their machines. As the quality requirements of the fabrics produced and the
manufacturing costs in these countries increases — and they will — we believe that this phenomenon
will decrease. Would you use pirated spare parts on a Ferrari Formula 1 car that has to compete in
a Grand Prix? We don’t think so.

RR
: How do you face this problem?

Rogora
: ITEMA is focused on giving to the customers what they need. As their need is to reduce the
cost of maintenance, we develop and deliver machines that have fewer parts and are more reliable.
This is the solution that can provide our customers with top- and stable-performance machines, and
reduce the spare-parts costs.

RR
: Has the outcome of your action been successful?

Rogora
: We are marketing this new approach along with the newly reengineered machines such as
the Silver 501 and A9000/A9500. We do believe that the customers will recognize the value of the
new design, and that the products will be successful.

RR
: What do you do if you are faced with product piracy again in Shanghai?

Rogora
: Itema thinks that nothing really can be done. As long as the customers do not perceive the
value of a manufacturer’s original spare parts, this market will continue. The rules are made by
the market, not by the producers.

RR
: The organizers of ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 declared in a recent Rupp Report that they are
committed to fight against any product piracy (See ”
The
Rupp Report: Successful ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Anticipated,”
TextileWorld.com, April 17, 2012). Do you think they will be successful?

Rogora
: I think that everybody should focus on the piracy of patented products or parts. This is
something that the governments have to focus on. The breaching of a patent is a legal violation —
which results in fines and very severe consequences everywhere in the world. Violation is not fair
and should not be permitted, and I think that the organizers should concentrate on putting more and
more pressure on the local governments in order to change this reality.

Itema will be exhibiting at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 in Hall E4, Booth C10.

June 5, 2012

Germany-based textile machinery manufacturer Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH now offers a
third generation of its HKS 3-M three-bar tricot knitting machine, reporting that the new design
enables 15-percent higher speeds than the previous generation, while also being more compact in its
construction.

The company has completely redesigned the machine’s knitting motion, machine frame and beam
let-off frame. In addition, the new design includes improved access to the warp beam rollers on the
right-hand side of the machine.

Currently, the new version offers a 210-inch working width and E 28 and E 32 gauges.
Additional widths and gauges will be made available in the future.

Karl Mayer notes that the design and movement of the HKS 3-M’s knitting elements allows it
flexibility to work a wide array of stitch densities and lappings and to process all yarn types
that are used in warp-knit applications. Fabrics that can be produced range from tulle and net
curtain and lingerie fabrics to sportswear and dense upholstery fabrics and also including
semi-technical fabrics such as mosquito netting, shoe fabrics and other such fabrics.

June 5, 2012

Jeanologia — a Spain-based developer of technologies for washing, dyeing and finishing textiles,
particularly jeans — has introduced two tools to encourage sustainability in the textile industry.

Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) software allows professionals in laundries and the
garment finishing industry to assess the environmental impact of a garment finishing process. The
software analyzes a garment finishing process’s environmental impact in the individual categories
of water consumption, chemical product use, energy consumption and worker health, as well as the
impact of the total process. The tool also enables users to compare the environmental impact of
various finishing processes.

The Eco-Clock gives real-time information on water, energy and chemical consumption in the
denim finishing process. It compares the results of conventional processes with that of
Jeanologia’s processes and calculates the total savings that can be realized by using Jeanologia’s
processes.

June 5, 2012

Datatex — an Italy-based provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for textile and
apparel applications — reports AC Carpi Apparel Co. Ltd. — a China- and Hong Kong-based vertically
integrated manufacturer of knitted apparel using Italy-based Santoni S.p.A.’s circular seamless
knitting technology — has selected the Datatex NOW Web-based ERP solution. Chemtax Ltd., Datatex’s
partner in China, implemented the software.

NOW ERP offers sales management; planning and machine scheduling; production management
including seamless knitting, garment dyeing and finishing; shop floor data collection; purchasing
control; inventory management; and product standard costing and analysis.

“We are very satisfied with the efficiency of the Datatex implementation,” said AC Carpi
owner Amy Chu. “This ERP provides us with an in depth view of the whole business performance and
ensures we maximize our potential. We can accurately monitor all sales orders and plan the most
efficient production measures in order to satisfy ever changing business demands.”

June 5, 2012

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based apparel manufacturer HanesBrands Inc. has announced it is restructuring
its global imagewear business, which sells basic apparel to wholesalers in the screen-print market
and accounts for 8 percent of the company’s sales.

The company will sell the European imagewear division to an affiliate of Smartwares BV — a
consumer goods company based in The Netherlands — for approximately $20 million. With regard to its
U.S. imagewear division, HanesBrands will discontinue private-label production and exit its Outer
Banks brand business, which produces golf, corporate and sportswear apparel for men and women. The
company reports it will work with affected customers on transition plans.

To reflect its new strategic direction, HanesBrands will rename its imagewear operations
branded printwear. That business will focus on Hanes® and Champion® branded products in the United
States, with the expectation of improving operating margins and realizing annual sales totaling
approximately $150 million in 2013.

“We are a branded company,” said Richard A. Noll, chairman and CEO, HanesBrands. “That
includes being committed to branded printwear in the United States where we can partner with our
wholesale customers to take advantage of our strong consumer brands and product differentiation.
With our exit from Europe, we can devote all of our energies to growing our branded portfolio in
core geographies in the Americas and Asia.”



June 5, 2012

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — May 2012 — Against the background of an increase in the number of
exhibitors at the last Heimtextil and a positive economic climate in Germany, all the signs are
that Heimtextil 2013 in Frankfurt am Main will be distinguished by a very large number of top
exhibitors. With around seven months still to go before the doors open (from 9 to 12 January2013),
the international trade fair for home and contract textiles is already almost fully booked up.
Moreover, several renowned exhibitors have announced that they will take part in the coming
Heimtextil after a period of absence.”Even at this early stage, we can say that Heimtextil 2013
will be an exceptional event – with numerous top companies that are either making their debut or
returning after a break. The current registration level gives us good ground to take an optimistic
view of the future and underscores the positive developments in the sector”, explains Olaf Schmidt,
Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt. With 2,634 exhibitors and
growth of 2.4 percent in comparison to the year before, Heimtextil 2012 represented an excellent
start to the new season. The economic statistics for Germany also confirm the upward trend. “The
successful course of business at Heimtextil 2012 and the buoyant economy at the beginning of the
year, which resulted in an increase of a good four percent in sales, reinforce the predominantly
good and confident outlook of the German home-textile industry for the coming months”,adds Martin
Auerbach, Director of the Association of the German Home Textile Industry (Verband der Deutschen
Heimtextilien-Industrie). At the beginning of the year, there was a positive sales trend in the
fields of furniture and decorative fabrics, carpets and bedding. Growth was generated in both the
domestic (2.1 percent)and foreign markets, where the rate of growth was much higher(10.3 percent).
The export quota was 25.3 percent (2011: 23.9percent).

Renowned returnees and new exhibitors

A number of renowned manufacturers have announced they will betaking part in Heimtextil
again. Tissat Deslee from Belgium will be back in the ‘window’ and ‘upholstery’ product groups in
Hall 4.1:”Without doubt, Heimtextil is the most important trade fair for decorative fabrics and the
whole world meets in Frankfurt every January. After a three-year break, we are very much looking
forward to returning to Heimtextil”, says Koen Deruyck, General Manager of Tissat Deslee. Several
returning and new companies are expected at the British Pavilion in Hall 4.1, the première of which
was a great success last January. “We returned to Heimtextil in 2012 and were surprised by the
quality and the variety of visitors to our stand.Hence, it didn’t take long for us to decide to
take part again in 2013”, explains Blair Macnaughton, Managing Director of The Isle Mill.

Exhibitors include key international players

The international sector with its key players meets in Frankfurt am Main every January at the
world’s leading trade fair for textile interior design. The renowned companies to exhibit in the
‘window’ and’ upholstery’ product groups in Hall 3.0 include Albani and Gustav Gerster from
Germany, IFI from Greece and Bandex from Austria.Among the prominent companies presenting the
latest wallpaper,curtains, decorative fabric and furniture fabric segments in Hall 3.1will be
Grandeco from Belgien, Elitis from France, SAHCO Hesslein and Schmitz/Essener Tapete from Germany
and textiles editeur Kobe from The Netherlands. In Hall 4.1, the highlights in the ‘upholstery’
product group will include Rafael Catalá and Manuel Revert from Spain: “Heimtextil is the world’s
leading trade fair with the most visitors, and this is where we meet the majority of our
international customers”, says CEO and proprietor José Ramón Revert. As well, Marta Catalá,
proprietor Rafael Catalá, a longstanding Heimtextil exhibitor, confirms the great interest shown by
international trade buyers at the fair. Among the national and international suppliers of
sun-protection, track and decorative systems in Hall 5.1 are Karl F. Buchheister, Junkers &
Möller and MHZ from Germany and Coulisse from The Netherlands. The textile designer segment at
Heimtextil is also very popular with demand for exhibition space coming from several new studios.



New products for the bathroom, bedroom and table

Visitors can also look forward to product presentations by numerous top companies in the
household-textiles segment. Thus, Billerbeck Betten Union from Germany and Sanko Tekstil from
Turkey will be showing their latest products in the ‘bed’ and ‘bath’ product groups in Hall 8.0.
Among the exhibitors with high-quality home collections in the premium segment of Hall 11 are Curt
Bauer from Germany, Martinelli Ginetto from Italy, Corn. Van Dijk from The Netherlands, Luzmonte 2,
Piubelle and Sorema from Portugal and Eke from Turkey. Kas from Australia will be back again with
bed linen fromDown Under: “As a trend-oriented design company in the home fashion sector,
Heimtextil is extremely important for Kas as a launching pad for our future-oriented trends and
collections”, says Karen David, Director of Kas. “We will be exhibiting again at Heimtextil 2013
because this is where we meet our existing and,hopefully, potential customers.”

Young design in the premium segment

Also in Hall 11 will be ‘New@More’, a presentation area where young, innovative companies can
attract the attention of a large audience of trade buyers. The platform proved to be very popular
at the last Heimtextil. In addition to new manufacturers, Peppa Grace and Robespierre Europe from
Germany will be taking part again and presenting creative bed linen in the premium segment.

Posted on June 5, 2012

Source: Messe Frankfurt

New York City-based materials consultancy Material ConneXion Inc. has named the Netherlands-based
DyeCoo Textile Systems BV winner of the third annual MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year for its
waterless dyeing technology. The MEDIUM award recognizes materials and processes juried into
Material ConneXion’s materials library within the past year that demonstrate outstanding
technological innovation and the potential to make a significant contribution to the advancement of
design, industry, society and the economy.

DyeCoo’s supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (CO2) technology uses recycled CO2 instead of
water, and eliminates the need for auxiliary chemicals and drying. Currently, the technology is
used to dye polyester fabrics, but DyeCoo is conducting research to extend the technology’s
application to other man-made-fiber and natural fabrics as well.

“DyeCoo’s new process has the potential to significantly lower the environmental impact of
dyeing,” said Dr. Andrew H. Dent, vice president, Materials Research, Material ConneXion. “The
elimination of process water and chemicals are a breakthrough for the textile dyeing industry.
Combine that with the reduction in energy use, and the process is twice as fast. The technology can
also improve the quality of the dyed fabric, allows for greater control over the dyeing process,
enabling new dye capabilities and transforming fabric dyeing so that it can take place just about
anywhere. We chose DyeCoo as the winner of this year’s award because it embodies the direction that
materials and processes are taking: sustainability and high performance.”

DyeCoo and Beaverton, Ore.-based athletic apparel, footwear and equipment designer and
marketer Nike Inc. recently entered into a strategic partnership. Nike is implementing DyeCoo’s
waterless dyeing technology in the production of a line of apparel for elite athletes that will be
introduced later this year. Nike’s long-term plans include scaling the implementation to include a
much larger segment of its products
(See “
Nike
To Use DyeCoo Waterless Dyeing Technology On Apparel Line,”
TextileWorld.com, Feb. 14, 2012).



May 29, 2012

As previously reported, the Rupp Report wanted to get some thoughts from the leading exhibitors
prior to ITMA Asia + CITME 2012, and sent out a questionnaire. Soon the answers started to drop in.
The Rupp Report indicated in the questionnaire that the interviews would be published on a
first-come, first-served basis, and Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG was the first company to respond
to the questionnaire. Following are thoughts from Heinrich Trützschler, managing partner of the
well-known German textile machinery manufacturer.

Expectations

Rupp Report
: What do you expect from 2012 in general?


Heinrich Trützschler
: We expect an average business year. Europe is quite weak, the Americas are medium and
Asia seems to be partially good: However, India shows some weaknesses and China is showing less
activity than average.

RR
: What is the biggest change you see in the business this year for your products prior to
ITMA Asia?


Trützschler
: Because of the reasons mentioned above, we anticipate less business in India, and China is
still uncertain — this has yet to be seen. For our products, we see great opportunities by offering
machinery with less energy consumption and higher production.

Influencing Business Conditions

RR
: What conditions are mainly influencing your business?


Trützschler
: Well, there are a few: First of all, the increasing raw material costs for cotton and
man-made fibers. Another still existing problem is the exchange rate; and of course, the political
and economical situation of some countries. And this is the same for our customers. On top of that,
the consumption of textiles in the United States, Europe and Asia is heavily influencing their
business; and, last but not least, the availability of cheap energy.

RR
: How do you see the current market situation in Asia and in China?


Trützschler
: The market situation in Asia — excluding India — is quite stable, even good. As we all
know, China is having less growth than years before, but it is still OK.

New Technology Welcome All Over The World

RR
: Do you face any problems in China?


Trützschler
: The wages are going up, but this is not only in the textile industry. The other well-known
problem is the strong Chinese currency.

RR
: What do you think should be done to solve these problems?


Trützschler
: I think more productivity and better products would help the Chinese textile industry.

RR
: Do you think that the mills are receptive to new technology or are they on the
sidelines?


Trützschler
: They are very receptive to new technology. However, a good price/productivity ratio is also
very important.

RR: Is this the same all over the world?


Trützschler
: Yes, a good product can be successful everywhere.

RR: Let us talk about the green movement and sustainability. Is this a reality for
your customers or not?


Trützschler
: Yes, of course; and if I may say so, I think more and more.

RR
: So how are you helping them to address that issue?


Trützschler
: We provide machines with less energy consumption and machines and technologies with better
raw material utilization.

New Products

RR: Will Trützschler show any true novelty for the first time in Asia?


Trützschler
: Yes, we will. The TC 8 card and TD 8 draw frame. The TC 8 has been specifically
designed for the Asian market and will be built at Trützschler Textile Machinery (Shanghai) Co.
Ltd. The TC 8 is the top card in the card segment with a working width of one meter. It offers high
productivity and sets standards in its segment with regard to energy efficiency.

RR
: What are the special features of the TC 8?


Trützschler
: Depending on the application, the exclusive developments are part of the standard
equipment of the high-production TC 8 card, such as T-Con, the optimization tool for cards;
Magnotop, the magnetic fastening system for flat tops; and Nepcontrol, the online nep monitoring
system.

RR
: And what about the TD 8?


Trützschler
: Well, the Trützschler TD 8 draw frame is equipped with new sensor technology. The new
feed sensor Disc Leveller TD-DL ensures consistently uniform sliver count, and significantly
improves sliver count variation. The new quality sensor Disc Monitor TD-DM in the delivery area of
the draw frame permanently monitors the quality data of the sliver.

RR
: Did you face any problems with product piracy at the last ITMA ASIA and what did you do?


Trützschler
: Oh yes, of course. And we reacted with new and better products. And the outcome of our
action was very successful.

RR
: What will you do if you face product piracy again in Shanghai?


Trützschler
: That depends on the problem.

RR
: In a recent interview with the Rupp Report, show organizers declared that they are
committed to fight against any infringement of product piracy (See “
The
Rupp Report: Successful ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Anticipated,”
TextileWorld
.com, April 17, 2012). Do you think they will be successful?


Trützschler
: Hopefully.

Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG can be visited in Hall W2, Booth E01 at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012.

May 29, 2012

Wickers Performance Wear — a Commack, N.Y.-based manufacturer of performance fabrics for
fire-resistant base layer apparel — announces its Wickers flame retardant (FR) T-shirts have earned
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label certifying that the
shirts contain 97-percent renewable biobased ingredients, which meets or exceeds USDA standards.

The T-shirts are made using the company’s FR fabric — a blend of 50-percent Merino wool and
50-percent Lenzing FR® flame-resistant fiber that is moisture-wicking and provides an arc flash
protection rating of 4.8 small calories of heat energy per square centimeter.

“We are pleased that Wickers Performance Wear has earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product
label,” said Ron Buckhalt, USDA BioPreferred Program Manager. “Biobased products provided
opportunities to help add value to renewable commodities; create jobs in rural communities and
generate investment income.”

Wickers reports it will apply for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label for its other FR
base layer apparel including long underwear tops and bottoms, boxers, and ski hoods.

May 29, 2012